Are Black Boxes Required in Commercial Trucks?

What is a Black Box?

A black box is also known as an event data recorder. It’s a device required on all commercial trucks and can record a driver’s actions while operating the vehicle. Information obtained from a black box can help provide evidence in truck accident cases. Here’s what you need to know.

What Kind of Information Can Be Obtained From a Truck’s Black Box?

When involved in a truck accident and are pursuing a truck accident claim, it’s critical to have as much information and evidence as possible to determine the negligent parties and how the accident happened. Here are some of the most common things that can be recovered from a truck’s black box.

• The driver’s speed
• The breaking habits of the truck driver
• Acceleration rate
• How long the truck’s driver had been on the road
• How long a truck has been idle
• Fuel consumption rate
• If the truck driver was wearing a seatbelt

Having any of the above evidence in a truck accident case can point to specific moving violations. For example, if a truck was speeding and the brakes were not applied in a reasonable amount of time, it could indicate that the driver was distracted. When it comes to truck accident claims, having a personal injury lawyer in your corner to determine the most pertinent evidence can make all the difference when it comes to a favorable decision.

The Rate of Truck Accidents on U.S. Roads

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that out of 3,133 fatal car crashes, 4,889 were involved in at least one large truck or bus crash (statistics are from 2016 and 2017). FMCSA also said the following:

• 72% – People killed in large truck accidents that were occupants in other vehicles (2017)
• 30% – Fatal crashes in work zones that involved at least one truck (2017)
• 12% – Injury crashes in work zones that involved at least one truck (2017)

When Involved in a Truck Accident, We Are Here For You

Truck accidents are the most devastating type of accident one can be involved in. The enormous size and weight of a semi-truck can cause life-threatening injuries to passengers in a smaller vehicle after a collision. However, knowing you have the support you need can give you peace of mind through a difficult time.

Serious injuries need strong attorneys. We are here to protect your rights. Our attorneys have the necessary experience to protect your rights and uphold your best interests. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries due to someone else’s careless actions, let us be your advocate to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. We’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the most successful outcome possible.

Contact Strong Law, P.C. today at (417) 887-4300. For complex legal matters, we are here for you every step of the way.